Gastrointestinal Stroma Tumors

Gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GISTs) are a type of cancer that occurs in the digestive tract, most commonly in the stomach or small intestine. They originate from a specific kind of cell called interstitial cells of Cajal, which are involved in gut movement. GISTs can vary in size and may be benign (non-cancerous) or malignant (cancerous). Symptoms might include abdominal pain, bloating, or bleeding. Treatment often involves surgery to remove the tumor and may include targeted therapies that block specific proteins that help the cancer grow. Early diagnosis can improve treatment outcomes.